Paul Kelly, Kate Miller-Heidke & More Win Big At Helpmann Awards

The 2015 Helpmann Awards took place in Sydney last night and a slew of Australian talent had a night to remember, with acts such as Paul Kelly and Brisbane artist Kate Miller-Heidke among others taking home prestigious awards.

Aussie icon Paul Kelly was honoured at the ceremony with a JC Williamson Award — an award given to "individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Australian live entertainment and performing arts industry." The Adelaide-born singer was also honoured by Claire Bowditch & The Paul Kelly Band who paid homage to the veteran musician by performing his 1995 hit, Deeper Water.

Meanwhile, Miller-Heidke was recognised for her work in Australian Opera production, The Rabbits, which won all of the awards it was nominated for. The 33-year-old songwriter not only picked up the award for Best Original Score, which she composed with music director Iain Grandage, but she also took out the Best New Australian Work category, while the show received the awards for Best Presentation For Children and Best Costume Design.

Fellow Aussie singer Chet Faker received the award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert, for his acclaimed 2015 national tour, while the Best International Contemporary Concert was awarded to Brit star, Ed Sheeran for his recent X World Tour. 

Annual contemporary music festival Vivid Live was also recognised on the night, taking out the gong for Best Contemporary Music Festival.

As it does each year, the Helpmann Awards also recognise comedic work and beloved national stand-up Judith Lucy was awarded Best Comedy Performer for her current show Ask No Questions Of The Moth.

The current theatre production of Les Misérables which received the most nominations at this year's ceremony, won five awards including the hotly contended Best Musical category. 

For a look at the full list of winners, head to the Helpmann Awards website.